What Do You See?

What Do You See?

Dear Friends,

I hope this letter finds you well and filled with the peace that surpasses all understanding. Today, I want to invite you to ponder a profound question: What do you see? 

Let me draw your attention to a famous optical illusion known as the Old Woman/Young Woman Illusion. At first glance, some people see an old woman with a stooped nose and a downturned mouth, while others see a young woman looking away. Both perspectives are present, but often, our initial perception limits us to one view. It is only by shifting our perspective, by looking deeper, that we can see the other image hidden in plain sight.

This illusion is a powerful metaphor for our spiritual journey and our encounters with the divine. In the Gospel of John, Chapter 20, we find a poignant story of recognition and revelation that underscores this truth.

Mary Magdalene, a devoted follower of Jesus, went to His tomb early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark. She saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance (John 20:1). Her immediate reaction was to run and tell Peter and the other disciple that the body of Jesus was missing (John 20:2). Peter and the other disciple ran to the tomb and saw the linen cloths lying there, but they did not yet understand that Jesus had risen (John 20:3-10).

Mary, however, lingered at the tomb, weeping. She bent over to look into the tomb and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus’ body had been (John 20:11-12). They asked her why she was crying, and she replied that someone had taken her Lord away (John 20:13).

Then, turning around, Mary saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize it was Him. She thought He was the gardener and asked Him if He had taken the body away (John 20:14-15). It was only when Jesus said her name, "Mary," that she recognized Him and exclaimed, "Rabboni!" (which means Teacher) (John 20:16).

This moment is striking. Mary saw Jesus, but she did not recognize Him until she heard Him speak her name. Her recognition came through hearing, not just seeing. This narrative invites us to consider how we perceive Jesus in our own lives. Often, we may be looking for Him in certain ways, expecting Him to appear according to our preconceived notions. But Jesus can be present in ways we do not initially recognize, much like the hidden image in the Old Woman/Young Woman Illusion.

So, I ask you again: What do you see? When you look at your life, at the world around you, do you see Jesus? Are you like Mary, who saw but did not recognize, or are you attuned to His voice, ready to see Him in unexpected places and forms?

Jesus calls each of us by name, inviting us to recognize His presence. Sometimes, it takes a shift in our perspective, a deeper listening, to truly see Him. Just as Mary’s eyes were opened when she heard her name, our spiritual sight is often clarified when we tune in to His voice.

As we navigate our daily lives, let us strive to listen more intently, to be open to the ways Jesus might be revealing Himself to us. Whether in moments of joy or sorrow, in the faces of those we meet, or in the quiet whispers of our hearts, Jesus is there, calling us to see Him more clearly.

May we all develop the spiritual insight to perceive Jesus in every aspect of our lives, to recognize His voice, and to see Him with the eyes of faith.

Blessings to you all,

Pst. J.K. Woodall, Ph.D.

Senior Pastor, Revival Center Hesperia